Actor, writer, model, and attendee, Suzanne Somers was an iconic star with many talents, including a certain ’90s sitcom that doesn’t get spoken about enough. Starting with small roles in TV and movies, Somers’ career took off when she co-starred in the ’70s sitcom Three’s Company, playing Christmas “Chrissy” Snow alongside Joyce Dewitt and John Ritter. However, following a salary dispute that would lead to Somers departing Three’s Company after season 5, it looked like acting career had come to an end. Thankfully, that was not the case.
Most people associate Somers’ ’90s work with being the reporter for the exercise equipment ThighMaster, but she also graced the screen in 1991 with the arrival of a new family sitcom. This time, Somers took on the role of a TV mom — one that will have a generation of young people seeing her in a whole new light. With Somers’ death on October 15, 2023 — one day before her 77th birthday — after a long stint with breast cancer, many may have forgotten about this underappreciated Suzanne Somers ’90s show.
Suzanne Somers Starred In The Underrated ’90s Sitcom Step By Step
Running for seven seasons as part of ABC’s TGIF lineup, Step by Step was a big aspect of many ’90s kids’ childhoods. Suzanne Somers and Patrick Duffy play Carol and Frank, two single parents who fall in love, get married, and blend their two families. The premise may sound familiar, but The Brady Bunch it is not. Where Carol’s family is clean, meticulous, and orderly, Frank’s family is disorganized, unruly, and messy. Over time, the two families come to respect and love one another while traversing the challenges of love, life, and growing up.
Filled with touching moments and hilarious antics, Step by Step is a greatly underrated sitcom that explores the challenges of adjusting to a new family dynamic at a time when more and more households were dealing with issues of divorce and remarriage.
Unlike its contemporaries Full House and Family Matters, Step by Step was much more grounded — while still being hilarious — which may sadly be why it is not as well-remembered as these other TGIF shows. For its part, Full House leans into the corniness and had myriad catchphrases, from “You got it, dude” to “Have mercy”. Meanwhile, Family Matters shifts its focus to the iconic TV geek Steve Urkel. Step by Step was also hurt by the season 5 departure of Sasha Mitchell, who played fan-favorite character, himbo Cody Lambert.
However, Somers was a huge part of Step by Step’s charm and humor, lending her exuberance and heart-warming demeanor as Carol, a loving mother who is always there with a sympathetic ear and a warm hug. With her masterful blend of humor and warmth, Somers was a major part of what made Step by Step so iconic.
The Step By Step Cast Paid Heartfelt Tribute To The Late Suzanne Somers
Upon hearing the news of Suzanne Somers’s death in 2023, the Step by Step cast paid tribute to the TV mom online. Christine Lakin, who played Al in the series, posted a photo on Instagram of herself and Somers on the set, saying, “Her warmth and humor was what made her so real and down-to-earth to everyone she crossed paths with.” Somers’ former TV husband, Patrick Duffy, told People: “When the stone of your life dropped in this pond you made quite a ripple my friend. Thank you.”
